On the road in Tannzapfenland

Valentine from "Awwway.ch" has set off for Tannzapfenland. Between lush green hills, surprising culture and fine food, she discovered what makes the Hinterthurgau region so special. She let herself drift with curiosity, enjoyment and open eyes and found some real favorite places. She has captured her most beautiful experiences here for you.

Trip to the canton of Thurgau

After a train ride to Wil, my journey of discovery in the Hinterthurgau region begins in Fischingen. A small village with an impressive building: Fischingen Monastery.

Visit to Fischingen Monastery

The monastery is considered a significant national monument, and anyone who visits it quickly understands why. We move through simple white corridors with beautiful arches to halls with intricate ceilings and a gigantic organ. The Benedictine monastery of Fischingen is one of the rare Swiss monasteries still inhabited by monks. It's a bit strange to encounter them as you walk through the corridors. Here, the monks live alongside visitors. The monastery houses a hotel, seminar rooms, a carpentry workshop, a school, and a restaurant.

Fischingen Monastery

“This monument is considered an important national monument.”

Thurgau circular hiking trail

After an excellent meal in the monastery restaurant, I head toward Lake Bichelsee, the starting point of the Thurgau circular hiking trail. The route is 200 km long, but I'm only doing part of it – to Dussnang. The circular trail begins with a somewhat steep climb through the forest. My footsteps make the leaves crunch beneath my feet. Rays of sunlight shine through the branches and occasionally illuminate the ground. It feels like I'm leading from one universe to the next: the flower fields, the forest, the view of the hills and the apple orchards. I never tire of watching everything pass before my eyes.

Click here for the hiking trail

Fischingen Monastery_Barrique cellar Pilgrim Brewery

The Pilgrim Monastery Brewery

Afterwards, I return to Fischingen Abbey to visit Switzerland's only monastery brewery. Here, too, I meet someone truly passionate about what they do. I savor their words before tasting various house beers: perfect! The brewery always strives to offer something new. This year, I was able to taste a beer, fresh from the tap, fermented in a barrel previously used for tequila. I find it very interesting to learn about the different beers and what lies behind them.

Pilgrim Monastery Brewery

“I’m visiting the only monastery brewery in Switzerland.”

Dinner at the Gasthaus Krone

I end the day comfortably in Balterswil at a small local restaurant, the Gasthaus Krone, where I enjoy a regional dish. Simple furnishings and delicious cuisine.

Gasthaus Krone

Sleeping in a four-poster bed

Now it's time to go to bed, because my second day in Thurgau is already waiting for me. I lie down in my four-poster bed and look up at the starry sky from my transparent bubble. A magical night!

Book a Bubble hotel